Doctor of Psychology
is a professional doctoral degree intended to prepare graduates for careers that apply scientific knowledge of psychology and deliver empirically based service to individuals, groups and organizations.
The difficulty integrating the education and training for both research and practice within the same degree has been long recognized.
[4][5][6][7][8][9] While the scientist-practitioner model ostensibly included clinical training, many argued that preparation for practice was often neglected.
[12] While the scientist-practitioner model “stood intransigent and impervious through the 1950s and 60s”,[13] the APA attempted to respond to pressure for more and better clinical training by forming the Committee on the Scientific and Professional Aims of Psychology in 1963.
The Committee concluded that the scientist-practitioner model failed to do either of the jobs for which it was designed and recommended several important changes, including: establishing separate practice-oriented programs, potentially in locations other than university psychology departments; developing a practice-oriented training model; and using the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D) degree to designate preparation for clinical practice.
Proponents, however, argued it would be informed by science and that other practice-oriented healthcare disciplines, such as medicine, had well-respected professional degrees.
Conference members concluded that psychological knowledge had matured sufficiently to warrant creating distinct practice-oriented programs.
Graduates of both training models would be eligible for licensure in all jurisdictions in the United States, and the licensing exams and renewal requirements would be the same for both degrees.
is a credential that certifies attainment of the knowledge and skill required to establish clinical psychology as a profession.
Furthermore, it follows the policies of both the Association of American Universities, and the Council of Graduate Schools: a professional doctorate (e.g., D.D.S., D.V.M., J.D., and M.D.)
The focus of the Doctor of Psychology training model is on the application of this knowledge for direct clinical intervention.
This includes the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness, as well as cognitive and emotional impairments in which psychological approaches may be of use.
Students in these programs receive a broad and general education in scientific psychology and evidence-based treatment.
degree, students typically must demonstrate several competencies: 1) knowledge mastery through passing comprehensive exams, and 2) clinical skill through successful completion of a pre-doctoral internship, and 3) scholarship through a doctoral research project.
The doctoral degree allows for a broader range of career options in schools, private or independent practice, clinics, hospitals, or research/academia.
They have been known to become editors for Best Practices, work with the editors in chief of journals, members of the NASP Communique Editorial Board, reviewers for the National School Psychology Certification Board and part of NASP's Social Justice Committee.
The knowledge and experience gained through the doctorate program is imperative in having a successful career in academia.
A doctorate is not required for management in some school districts; however, the degree, experience, and education can help in competitive positions.
[25] In the United States, a doctoral degree from a program acceptable to the licensing board is required, including the PhD., Psy.D., and Ed.D.
